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The US Senate Commerce Committee has initiated an inquiry into potential gambling misconduct involving Major League Baseball, led by Texas Senator Ted Cruz and Washington Senator Maria Cantwell. The investigation follows federal charges filed against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers accused of manipulating pitch outcomes. Good to Know Inquiry led by Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell Committee requests documents from MLB, sportsbooks and federal agencies Review follows charges involving Cleveland Guardians pitchers Committee Requests Internal Policies, Records And Communications The committee issued a formal letter to MLB commissioner Rob Manfred requesting internal documents tied to gambling rules, disciplinary actions and communication protocols. Lawmakers stated that a comprehensive review is needed to understand how MLB enforces its betting regulations. The inquiry seeks detailed briefings not only from MLB but also from sportsbook operators and federal authorities. Senators involved in the investigation said the review aims to evaluate exposure to foreign influence, coercion and financial exploitation that could affect athletes. Cruz wrote in the committee letter that MLB and other professional leagues are confronting an “integrity crisis.” Federal Charges Against Two Pitchers Trigger Legislative Scrutiny Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz pleaded not guilty to charges alleging that bribes were accepted to influence the outcome of individual pitches. The allegations created new urgency on Capitol Hill, prompting lawmakers to examine how integrity safeguards function across professional sports. The Senate review will evaluate how game data flows through betting markets, how suspicious activity is flagged and which protections currently exist for athletes. Sportsbooks And Regulators Also Included In The Inquiry The Commerce Committee has begun requesting information from regulated sportsbooks, focusing on internal monitoring systems, reporting obligations and risk controls. Federal regulators are expected to provide documentation on investigative standards and any oversight actions taken before or after the allegations surfaced. Lawmakers indicated that the goal is to gather a full picture of how sports betting ecosystems interact with major leagues and where vulnerabilities may exist. FAQ Who is leading the inquiry? Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell, through the Senate Commerce Committee. What information did the committee request from MLB? Internal gambling policies, disciplinary history and communications involving regulation and enforcement. Why was the inquiry launched? Federal charges against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers raised concerns about potential manipulation of pitch outcomes. Are sportsbooks involved? Yes. The committee requested documents and briefings from multiple operators. What are lawmakers most concerned about? Athlete exposure to outside influence, financial pressure and gaps in league oversight.

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